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Finding Anime in Real Life: 10 Tokyo Locations

The folklorist that I am, I decided to choose ten anime featuring creatures from Japanese myth (but with a little Western thrown in as well). Keep reading to check out if your favorite anime is included on my list!

Tokyo Island Emitting High Volume Volcanic Gas

Japan Coast Guard officials say lava flow at Nishinoshima Island south of Tokyo has temporarily stopped, but volcanic gas continues to emerge.

Tokyo's Hidden Red-Gate Shrine

While not as famous as a similar shrine in Kyoto called Fushimi Inari Shrine, Hie Shrine touts an impressive tunnel with 90 bright red torii gates.

Jimbocho: Tokyo's Town of Literature & Art

Tokyo's historic Jimbocho neighborhood is a melting pot of creative pursuits. With bookstores, libraries, art galleries, music shops and theaters, it's a must-visit destination for the artistically inclined!

Ichibangai: Retail Therapy in Tokyo Station

Whether you're in need of souvenirs, pop-culture-themed presents or traditional Japanese gifts, look no further than Tokyo Station's Ichibangai shopping complex. It also contains some of the best food in the city, from Japanese cuisine and beyond!

Kappabashi: the Kitchen Town of Tokyo

Whether you're a chef or just learning how to cook, you don't want to miss out on strolling through Kappabashi's 170 kitchen and restaurant related shops.

Happo-en: a Japanese Garden Hidden in Tokyo

Happo-en is a hidden gem featuring a traditional tea house, koi pond, bonsai, cherry trees, and everything else a Japanese garden should have.

A Walk Through Tokyo History: Yotsuya to Shinjuku on the Koshu Kaido Road

A guide to walking through the center of Tokyo on the course of the Koshu Kaido road, one of the five routes that connected the old city of Edo with the provinces. Among the modern buildings and bustling streets are remnants of a remarkable past.

Smash at Tokyo's Latest Unique All-You-Can-X!

The latest in Tokyo's expansive line of "all-you-can" experiences, Reeast Room is a unique facility that allows people to destroy whatever is in the room!

Nezu Shrine: 600 Years of Beauty & History

Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo's oldest shrines, is also one of the most beautiful. Take in the sights of the lush greenery, colorful flowers, a bright red wooden torii tunnel, classic koi ponds, and gorgeous azalea flowers.

Tokyo's Top 5 Bizarre Museums!

Tokyo's bizarre museums are an amalgamation of two of our favorite things about Japan—the quirky culture and the awesome organization! Here are five places to check out if you're looking for an offbeat activity around Tokyo!

Create Ukiyo-e Art at a Woodblock Party

If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can create your own version of famous ukiyo-e paintings at Mokuhankan's woodblock print party experiences.

Kagurazaka: Fusion of Kyoto and Paris in Tokyo

Kagurazaka is an eclectic mix of Edo Japan and French influences. Although originally known for geishas in the Edo era, it is now a hub for fine dining and delicious street food.

Going to Gotokuji, The Lucky Cat Temple

If you are obsessed with cats, then if there is one temple you should visit: Gotokuji Temple—the temple adorned with hundreds of maneki neko, or lucky beckoning cat statues.

DESTROY ALL THE THINGS at the Reeast Room

It's stressful being a civilized, polite human being. Sometimes you just want to let yourself go wild. That's why the Reeast Room was created—to release the beast and destroy all the things.

Where to Enjoy International Theater in Tokyo

Tokyo is chock-full of places were you can get your theatrical fix, even if you don't speak Japanese. With live performances, broadcasts, translated theater, non-verbal shows and improv groups, the options go on and on! Here's what you need to know...

Get Drunk at an Elementary School Izakaya

Whether you're simply curious about Japanese schools, or just want to get drunk in one, this izakaya has you covered.

The Big Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is a city of old and new, where modern skyscrapers rise up from the remains of centuries-old castle walls. The Big Tokyo Travel Guide will help you find whatever you're looking for in Japan's capital city.

Jindaiji Temple and Environs: Hidden Historical Gem Not Far From Central Tokyo

A short hop from central Tokyo is the neighborhood of Jindaiji, a pleasant green area with Tokyo's second oldest temple, appealing soba shops, and a shop celebrating the beloved artist Mizuki Shigeru.

Retro Street Food at Asakusa Denbouin Street

After visiting Asakusa's Sensoji Shrine, enjoy a leisurely afternoon eating traditional street food and finding hidden thieves on the nearby Denbouin Street.

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